Joel D. Gougeon

Joel D. Gougeon, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, veteran, and public servant, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, at Covenant Cooper Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 13, 1943, in Lansing, Michigan, Joel lived a life defined by service, integrity, curiosity, and deep devotion to family and community.

Joel was the son of Meade and Elizabeth “Betty” (DeLong) Gougeon. After graduating from T.L. Handy High School, he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from General Motors Institute in 1966. He went on to serve honorably in the United States Air Force as an F-4 Phantom pilot. Following the completion of 198 missions in Vietnam, Joel returned home and, alongside his brothers Meade and Jan, co-founded Gougeon Brothers, Inc. in Bay City in 1969.

Deeply committed to public service, Joel later entered local politics and went on to serve as a Michigan State Senator, participating on numerous committees. Among his most meaningful accomplishments was his leadership in rewriting the Mental Health Code to help reduce stigma and expand support for mental health research. He was also deeply proud of directing funding to benefit health clinics, women’s shelters, cancer centers, a skateboard park, and local colleges and universities.

After retiring from the Senate, Joel founded his own consulting company and continued to work tirelessly in support of local hospitals, colleges, universities, and many community organizations, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact wherever he served.

Joel embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He was an avid ice boater, sailor, powerboater, and antique car enthusiast. He especially cherished road trips with his family, creating memories filled with laughter and adventure. A voracious reader, Joel found joy in learning and storytelling and generously shared his knowledge and insights with those around him.

Joel is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Kaye (McGinty) Gougeon; his beloved daughter, Amy Gougeon; and his treasured grandchildren, Joshua Koch, Andrew Koch, and Rebecca Koch. He is also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews who held him dear.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Meade and Elizabeth (DeLong) Gougeon; his brothers, Meade Gougeon and Jan Gougeon; his sister, Pamela (Gougeon) Thomas; and his sister-in-law, Janet Gougeon.

Joel’s family remembers him as a guiding light whose kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication enriched their lives and the lives of many others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. The family is planning a memorial celebration to be held in the spring.